Atari 400 Field Service Manual

ATARI
Consumer
Product Service
Manager
of Tehnical Support
TECH
TIP
number
HCD
MODEL:
unn/Rna rnmp„i->.r
DATE:
02/22/83
SUBJECT;
Atari *00/800 System
Lock-up
DESCRIPTION;
When the Atari ^^00/800
computer
systems experiences intermittent
lock-up,
there
is
no response
from the keyboard
and
control of the computer is
gone.
Probable
Causes (in order
of likelihood)
1.
User
is editing
BASIC
programs
at time of lock-up
2. User
is running
user written software
that contains
errors
3-
User
is running
third party software
(non-Atari)
that contains
errors
4. Hardware
failure
Troubleshooting
Ask
your customer
the following
questions,
and use the
responses given
to determine
if
the problem
is hardware
or software
oriented:
1.
Does the
unit bckup
randomly
only when
editing statements
in your
ATARI
BASIC
programs?
YES
-
The
lockiip is
caused by
an anomaly in the ATARI BASIC
cartridge.
The
lockup
condition
is cleared by
recycling the power
switch OFF/ON.
This
will
clear
the program
from your unit's
memory and
any editing
completed
since the last SAVE
will be
lost. Atari
recommends
saving
programs
being
edited
every
15
minutes to minimize
consternation should
a
lockup
occur.
2.
Does
the unit
lockup
consistently
only
when
executing
certain BASIC
programs?
YES
-
The
lockup
could be
caused by logic
errors in the
program. The
most
common
error is invalid
machine
code called from
a USR
function
in
BASIC.
3. Does
the
unit lockup
only when
loading or executing
third
party software?
YES -
The
lockup
could be
caused by
the configuration
not meeting
minimum
requirements
for memory
or
peripherals, or by
errors in the
third-party
software.

Atari 400 Specifications

General

Manufacturer	Atari
Model	400
Type	Home Computer
Release Year	1979
CPU	MOS Technology 6502
CPU Speed	1.79 MHz
ROM	10 KB
Operating System	Atari OS
Keyboard	Membrane keyboard
RAM	8 KB (expandable to 48 KB)
Graphics	ANTIC and GTIA chips
Sound	4 channels
Display	RF output for connection to TV
Storage	Optional cassette tape drive or floppy disk drive
Ports	Cartridge
Display Resolution	320x192 (16 colors)